New partnership promotes education for English club managers

England Golf is partnering the Golf Club Managers’ Association (GCMA) and the Club Managers Association of Europe (CMAE) to promote education and training opportunities throughout England.

It’s the first time that the three organisations have worked closely together to promote education for club managers, both for those already in the industry and those coming into the profession.

The initiative will highlight a clear development pathway leading up to the worldwide-recognised Certified Club Manager (CCM) qualification.

The programme will include the ‘Introduction to Golf Course Management’ course run by the GCMA, followed by Level One and Level Two Club Management Development courses run by the CMAE, which on successful completion, lead to the CMAE Club Management Diploma.

The partnership reflects the aims of the England Golf Strategic Plan 2014-17, Raising Our Game, which was launched last month.

David Joy, the Chief Executive of England Golf, said: “Our vision is for England Golf to work at the heart of a network of partners, to build stronger golf clubs. This initiative is an excellent example of this in practice – our three organisations working together to improve the training and development opportunities and support for club managers. This will definitely result in healthier, more vibrant golf clubs which are ready to respond to the needs of golfers.”

Marc Newey, Vice President of CMAE, commented: “We are delighted to have the support of England Golf and GCMA to promote our club management pathway. Our Club Management Diploma is now set to become the club management qualification of choice in 2015 and to have the support of the national governing body for golf in England is something we are very proud of.

“The club industry has been crying out for a joined up approach in providing a professional development programme for existing and potential managers and this partnership shows that there is a very positive future ahead.”

Bob Williams, the GCMA Chief Executive, said: “Most golf clubs in this country are small businesses with an annual turnover of up to £1m. We firmly believe it’s vital for the industry that the people who run golf clubs are educated in a range of skills including financial management, employment law, health and safety, food and beverage options and agronomy.

“This partnership to promote education has got to be the way ahead. I look forward to the time when all golf clubs specify that they require a qualified manager when they are recruiting.